The effects of telerehabilitation-based motor imagery training on motor imagery ability, motor function and physical performance in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Purpose: To explore the effects of telerehabilitation-based motor imagery (Tele-MI) training on motor imagery ability (MI), motor function, and performance in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods: The research involved twenty-three children with DMD and twelve healthy children. DMD cohort were randomized into two groups: treatment [Tele-MI training and telerehabilitation-based physiotherapy program (Tele-PTP), n = 12] and control (Tele-PTP, n = 11). MI ability [Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire-10 (KVIQ-10), Motor Imagery Questionnaire for Children (MIQ-C), mental chronometry tests], motor function [Motor Function Measure (MFM), North Star Ambulation Assessment, Four Square Step Test] and timed performance were assessed at baseline and after 8-week training.

Results: MI ability scores of DMD cohort were lower than healthy children. A large interaction effect was found for KVIQ-10 visual and total, MIQ-C internal visual and kinesthetic scores, and delta time of 10-meter walk test of mental chronometry (η2 > 0.14). The small-medium interaction effect was found in motor function and ambulation results (η²<0.14).

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that Tele-MI training improved MI ability of DMD cohort. The small-to-medium effects of Tele-MI training on motor function, particularly those involving the trunk, have demonstrated its potential as a complementary approach in rehabilitation to improve motor functions in children with DMD.

Clinical trial registration number and url: NCT06109103 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06109103?term=merve%20bora%20zereyak&rank=1).